[Solved] Love my new Mini PC, one wrinkle though

[boardbro]

Yes, I just bought the Intel Celeron J3455 Windows 10 Pro Mini Computer; it's great!

It fails to do anything when I insert a micro SD though. I have a couple, a 4GB and an 8GB, and they each function just fine in my other various devices; but when I try slipping either of them in here it's no go. It doesn't appear under My PC, no install dialogue, nothing appears in Device Manager. I am loathe to believe that I have a defect, a hardware issue. Any ideas? Please kindly assist. Thanks!

[Gabe]

@boardbro,

Do the micro sd cards have a formatted partition on them? I've seen instances where an add on SSD/HDD wasn't recognized without first having a formatted partition on it, so I'm wondering if it could be the same with a micro sd card.

It may not matter, but just in case, is it the model AK1 that you have?

[boardbro]

Thank you for replying. I am not sure how to answer; my understanding is that creation of a partition is only needed when a storage unit will be used as the device's main operating system root.

This PC is earlier than the AK1, I think. Here is a link to it fully described and pictured: Mini PC

Again, I am loathe to believe that my PC's SD component has a hardware defect. Those are so rare in this day and age. Surely it was tested at the factory?

[boardbro]

I just now stumbled upon something pertinent to what I'm seeking. Examining the MiniPC's slot in question, it is labelled TF for "Transflash". Transflash is something quite distinct from SD, though SD cards are physically 'insertable' into TF slots.

[Gabe]

boardbro,

The micro sd card cannot be utilized without having a formatted partition on it. You can create a partition using the entire card's space, or multiple smaller partitions. That's entirely up to you, but to utilize the card for anything, whether it's file storage or an operating system or anything else, it must have a formatted partition on it in which to write the data.

Regarding the TF card vs micro SD card, they can be used interchangeably, meaning one card can be used in the slot named for the other. It's sort of like DVD-R vs DVD+R. They do the same thing, just in somewhat different ways, but they look and function identically and can be used interchangeably. So, you're fine using a micro SD card in a TF card slot.

[boardbro]

... you're fine using a micro SD card in a TF card slot.

Doubtless you are far more knowledgeable than me, as I only know what I read on Google today about TF being different from SD. But I said in the thread opener that my SDs function just fine in other devices, so if what you say is true then SD cards come properly formatted from the factory. Which leaves "defective hardware" as the sole remaining candidate cause of the MiniPC problem, and that's hard to swallow.

The word "partition" is not mentioned when you go to format storage units on PCs. My SD cards can write data and later read it back, factory fresh!

Some illumination please, somebody!

[Gabe]

The word "partition" is not mentioned when you go to format storage units on PCs. My SD cards can write data and later read it back, factory fresh!

If you're able to read and/or write data from/to the cards when plugged into another Windows based computer, they're already partitioned and formatted, so that's not the problem.

I messaged the admin to let him know about your issue. He should reply when he's back on, which will hopefully be within an hour or two.

[boardbro]

If you're able to read and/or write data from/to the cards when plugged into another Windows based computer, they're already partitioned and formatted, so that's not the problem.

Yes, I am able to do so... using a USB adapter

[Gabe]

boardbro,

Though the answer is likely that they do, do micro sd cards work with the USB adapter when you use it with your AK2?

And yes, I forgot to mention that your model is the AK2.

BTW, just in the off chance that it could be this, are you making sure to push the micro SD card in the slot until it's fully seated? It's a spring loaded mechanism, so you'll feel it engage. I don't have my AK3 out right now, but I think it's with the micro sd card label up.

[boardbro]

Thanks for replying. [Funny, but I never get email notifications about replies. Upon investigating, even though my subscription to this topic is confirmed with a check-mark beneath, in my User Control Panel it says I am subscribed to NO topics.]

Yes yes, via USB adapter = no problem. And, I am 100% certain that I am pushing it in enough because when unsure I simply pull to confirm that it is locked, and it always is.